AUSTIN {AP} When it comes to class action lawsuits, a majority of Texans think lawyers often do better than the consumers they're supposed to be representing.

A survey released Friday by the group Central Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse also shows most Texans think a glut of such lawsuits has caused prices of computer equipment, health care and automobiles to be higher than they should.

"No one wants to eliminate class action lawsuits. They can be helpful for consumers, but reform will help end many of the abuses that we feel are benefitting lawyers at consumer's expense," said Tina Bruno, spokeswoman for the group.

The survey of 800 people was conducted between Sept. 27-Oct. 19 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent. It found that 64 percent of voters agreed that it was bad if lawyers make more money than individual plaintiffs do in class action lawsuits.

Another 72 percent disapproved of the practice of lawyers representing people who have not hired them, while 34 percent believed that regulation was a better way to protect individuals from injuries in class action lawsuits.

Reggie James, director of Consumers Union southwest regional office, said he agreed in part with the concerns, but cautioned that Central Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse was more interested in trying to protect businesses.

"They are after throwing a monkey wrench in the class action lawsuits," James said.

James said regulations and legislation typically just leads to "consumers getting ripped off by businesses."

James said there can be problems when lawyers representing plaintiffs in class action lawsuits agree to settle because it often ends in a conflict of interest, with lawyers entering into sweetheart deals with defendants and their victims getting a bad deal.

He said courts should appoint someone who has no stake in the outcome of a class action lawsuit to work on behalf of consumers once the case goes to settlement.